The shaping of wrought iron, used almost exclusively until the 16th century, is primarily an art of the blacksmith, who must work with the metal while it is at the desired stage of heat and flexibility. Methods and tools used in modern hand-wrought work are similar to the early ones. However, much modern work is accomplished by mechanical means, with a hammer and a torch.
Wrought Iron
Iron can be obtained in two forms from the smelting process. Wrought iron is more pure, having less than 0.3% carbon and 1% or 2% slag which is unwanted minerals and metal oxides. Cast iron contains 2% to 4% carbon and other impurities. Wrought iron is stronger than cast iron, it is called "wrought" iron because in traditional iron making it was worked in a softened state, by hammering. Cast iron is poured into molds and it is easier and cheaper to form.
Wrought iron was first used in Asia Minor before 1000 BC in making tools and weapons. During the middle Ages, wrought iron was used in Europe for detailed grille work, balconies, and other things. Cast iron was produced, but not widely used until the 1600s, when casting methods were improved. From then on, it became an increasingly important building material.
Wrought Iron in New Orleans
Creole blacksmiths of New Orloeans added wrought iron details to many things such as cottages, town houses, and buisness buildings. Wrought iron often covered wooden pillars and porches.
The wrought iron on the cabildo has the Fleur-de-lis symbol in it’s design. It is very popular now a days because the saints symbol is the Fleur-de-lis. It also has a hearts, diamonds, and other designs in it.
ROUGH DRAFT
Ironwork Ornamental
The shaping of wrought iron, used almost exclusively until the 16th century, is primarily an art of the blacksmith, who must work with the metal while it is at the desired stage of heat and flexibility. Methods and tools used in modern hand-wrought work are similar to the early ones. However, much modern work is accomplished by mechanical means, with a hammer and a torch.
Wrought Iron
Iron can be obtained in two forms from the smelting process. Wrought iron is more pure, having less than 0.3% carbon and 1% or 2% slag which is unwanted minerals and metal oxides. Cast iron contains 2% to 4% carbon and other impurities. Wrought iron is stronger than cast iron, it is called "wrought" iron because in traditional iron making it was worked in a softened state, by hammering. Cast iron is poured into molds and it is easier and cheaper to form.
Wrought iron was first used in Asia Minor before 1000 BC in making tools and weapons. During the middle Ages, wrought iron was used in Europe for detailed grille work, balconies, and other things. Cast iron was produced, but not widely used until the 1600s, when casting methods were improved. From then on, it became an increasingly important building material.
Wrought Iron in New Orleans
Creole blacksmiths of New Orloeans added wrought iron details to many things such as cottages, town houses, and buisness buildings. Wrought iron often covered wooden pillars and porches.
The wrought iron on the cabildo has the Fleur-de-lis symbol in it’s design. It is very popular now a days because the saints symbol is the Fleur-de-lis. It also has a hearts, diamonds, and other designs in it.
http://books.google.com/booksid=prIC58YyzikC&pg=PA14&dq=wrought+iron+new+orleans+history&cd=6#v=onepage&q=wrought%20iron%20new%20orleans%20history&f=false